Red meat production up 1 percent in September

WASHINGTON – In September, commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.19 billion lbs., up 1 percent from the 4.16 billion lbs. produced in September 2010, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Totaling 2.22 billion lbs., beef production was 2 percent below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.88 million head, down 1 percent from September 2010. The average live weight was down 11 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,278 lbs.

Veal production totaled 10.7 million lbs., 5 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 73,800 head, up 4 percent from September 2010. The average live weight was down 22 lbs. from last year, at 252 lbs.

Pork production totaled 1.95 billion lbs., up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.69 million head, up 4 percent from September 2010. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 270 lbs.

Totaling 11.8 million lbs., lamb and mutton production was down 10 percent from September 2010. Sheep slaughter totaled 177,000 head, 14 percent below last year. The average live weight was 134 lbs., up 5 lbs. from September a year ago.

Commercial red meat production from January to September totaled 36.5 billion lbs., up 1 percent from 2010. Accumulated beef production was up 1 percent from last year, veal was down 3 percent, pork was up 2 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 8 percent.